The Mindful Marathon: How to Stay Mentally Composed During a Race

By Fitbit Staff

Fall race season is officially in gear. There are some great training plans out there to help you reach your physical goal, but what about the mental aspect?

People often ask me what I think about when I run and what I do when a race is going badly. In ultra-running, we call it going into the “pain cave.” It happens in marathons too, usually around mile 20 (or as early as mile 13, if you’ve started out too fast, which I’ve definitely done).

Here’s my trick for staying in a positive place. It’s my running meditation, and I do it constantly throughout all my races — from 5Ks all the way to 100-mile finish lines.

1. Do a mental scan of your body, starting with your brain.
What’s going on in your head right now? Are you feeling strong and grounded, or are you freaking out? Ask yourself: What do I need right now? Then turn the answer into an affirmation. For example, if I answered “energy” then I’ll tell myself, “I am energized.” I’ll repeat this over and over. Sometimes I even imagine weird stuff like the video game Pac-Man, and the little pellets and ghosts he would eat for energy along the way. I pretend I’m getting energized with every step I take. It sounds crazy but it works.

A mantra is another great way to keep your head on track. The best mantras are positive, simple and calming. Try, “I am built for this,” “I’m doing this,” or “Keep going.” Maybe your mantra requires bacon, or cupcakes (or bacon-wrapped cupcakes?). Go with whatever works for you. No one’s judging your mantra.

3. Bring your attention to your neck and shoulders.
Tense? Take a deep breath and relax. Bring your shoulders down away from your ears. Shake your arms. Imagine you are carrying trays of glasses like a waiter—your shoulders will instantly relax. Now gently pump your arms. Forward and back, making sure not to cross them in front of your body. Not sure what to do with your hands? Visualize holding a potato chip with your thumb and index finger, and you’re putting it in your pocket. It’s odd but totally works.

4. Bring attention to your heart.
If it’s before mile 20 and your heart is racing, perhaps you need to slow down a hair. See how it feels when you visualize your heart feeling calm and relaxed.

6. Bring your attention to your legs, shins and feet.
How do they feel? Fast and strong? Great! Legs feeling heavy? Any muscle cramps? Just plain tired? Remind yourself it’s perfectly normal. Then relax. Imagine blood and oxygen circulating through your lower extremities. Know that all of the cells in your body are working for you right now.

Jenn Pattee is a competitive ultrarunner, outdoor fitness maven and relentless pursuer of playtime. She founded San Francisco’s Basic Training in 2008. Every morning and evening, she and her team of instructors take groups of dedicated amateur athletes through scenic trail runs and innovative cross-training routines designed to increase endurance, flexibility, core strength and speed. She recently wrote about preparing for your first 5K.

This article is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.

Being mentally composed during a marathon race is very important. You have to prepare not only your body, but as well as your mind. Follow these steps on how your mind will go with your body during the marathon.